Carers working on a project to bring hospice values and expertise on to hospital awards have been awarded with a Celebrating Excellence award by Jac Kelly, Interim Chief Executive of West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

Claire Nicell of Peace Hospice Care and the Hospice of St Francis and her team have been working alongside NHS palliative hospital staff on the innovative Rose Project which sees the introduction of a rose symbol on the wards to promote dignity and compassion at the end of life.

The symbol is being displayed when a person is reaching the end of life, or following the death of a patient, with the support of the family, to communicate the need for quietness and respect.

Claire said: “I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of my dedicated team and am so pleased that the Rose Project is being introduced on local hospital wards.

“We hope it will help transform the experience of those whose loved one dies in hospital.

“ The project is all about prompting staff to remember the small things that show people care; honest, open communication; compassion and controlling pain alongside kind words and a cup of tea.

“It is imperative that we treat dying patients, and those important to them, exactly as we would want ourselves or our loved ones treated.”